Here’s how the afternoon will unfold: Tea service. Older palates pick from the regular Westgate Room menu. For kids there’s less emphasis on seafood and caviar and more on strawberries and peanut butter. The party moves to the lobby. Faces are painted. Balloons are twisted into art. Everyone sits on Santa’s lap to share Christmas lists. Santa hands out teddy bears to tide anxious children over till December 25.

This storied coastal hotel turns into a holiday workshop for the kiddos with storytellers, Santa photos and gingerbread-house decorating. The Full Measure Carolers will provide an inspiring holiday soundtrack that Wednesday and Thursday. And three on-site restaurants can combat the post-festival sugar high.

Even the animals get in the holiday spirit at the San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells 2010, when the grounds turn into a winter wonderland with Christmas lights, bell ringers, snow, Santa and his elves (or are those pygmy marmosets?).

Civic organist Carol Williams is a crowd-pleaser. So you’ll probably hear a holiday suite at this ongoing Organ Concert series. Strollers can navigate the Botanical Building for the free Poinsettia Display, too.

The New Children's Museum's hosting their "Ready, Set...Jam" music festival this Saturday Dec. 18. There are pre-Christmas activities in the museum, like making gift wrap and gift tags. And on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 there are day camps from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more hands-on art making. The day camps are $50 to $60.

Take the lil ones to see LEGO-brick Santa, “Let it Snow” the musical, and fireworks nightly from Dec. 26 through Dec. 31, On New Year’s Eve mini-revelers get treated to musicians, party favors and a countdown to “midnight” at 6 p.m. Luckily kids don’t wear watches.

8. Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade

10 a.m. Dec. 30. Starts at the County Administration Building on Harbor Drive. Free. Grandstand tickets along parade route $15-$20.holidaybowl.com.

Marching bands provide the soundtrack to the biggest balloon parade in the nation. With appearances by the Wienermobile and Budweiser Clydesdale’s horse wagon. Go for the helium. Stay for the all-American kitsch.